after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

[blakejcan]

...I'm left feeling like I need to buy something new.

I'd tried to buy an Epi Les Paul Custom Silverburst only to have that explode into a backwoods of Kentucky ripoff fest

Then I purchased an Epi Black Beauty where the truss rod popped loose in shipping and had to be sent back. Luckily the seller was awesome on that one.

Now I'm left feeling like I need to give up my deal hunting online and just go in and buy something new. It won't be near as good of a deal but I can live with that.

Only, if I'm going to buy something brand new for the price of an Epi Les Paul Custom or Black Beauty (about $5-$700) then I feel like, well I might as well just save up a little more cash and get the real deal.

So, with that in mind, plus the wife and I are probably going to try for our first kid in the next year, meaning I have one last gasp of being extremely selfish with guitar purchases, I'm thinking of just going for one of my dream guitars. Here they are with some of my thoughts. Any "yes go for it or you're an idiot" or "why would you even look at that barfstick" comments/insights are appreciated. Thanks


Choice #1--Gibson Firebird

--It's not for everyone but I really dig the look. The thought of mini-humbuckers and something a bit different really appeals to me as well. Yes, the neck is 20 feet long and that might be the only sticking point really. Anyone have some quality experience with one?



Choice #2----Gibson Les Paul

--I clearly want one as I was trying to buy the slightly cheaper version on the trading post. There are just so many flavors of Paul I wouldn't even know where to begin. Go type "Gibson Les Paul" into the search box at MF and there are 171 results. That's crazy. But I'm sure if I'm willing to wade through it all I could find one I love. Just not even sure how to begin a selection process there.



Choice #3--Martin D-28 Sunburst

--I realize this is a pickup forum and this choice might not get a whole lot of love here but it's on my list. I don't play a ton of acoustic and this choice is the most expensive of the 3 but I've always wanted a legit acoustic (the one I have now is a $100 beater and my first guitar) and it's something that I would hold onto forever and hopefully give to my kids one day.



As always, open to any left field suggestions but I think my head is in the space of something just left of totally normal & boring with a price range of $1k-$2.5k max

good talk

[jtougas]

For the money, take a look at the Larrivee acoustics. I don't know if they do a finish you'd drool over, but their instruments are top notch. And an all solid woods acoustic for $1200 isn't anything to sneeze at (particularly when it's rosewood back and sides!).

Otherwise, for the LP, I'd say take a look at the '50s Tribute, where you still have rosewood on the fretboard... and P-90s...mmmm... P-90s...

My 2 cents...

[ItsaBass]

Those are all beauties. I want them all. I'd probably get the Firebird, myself. My white Explorer needs a buddy, as it is the outcast pointy guitar here, and I've always wanted a Firebird. But the Paul is pure beauty. One of my favorite cosmetic setups for a LP. And there is nothing like a good acoustic. I don't know. Tough choice.

[phil_104]

Man, those guitars are so different it's hard to make a suggestion.

My first reflex is to suggest getting a good Les Paul. Maybe a Traditional, a Trad pro or a Standard. I think in the long run, you would appreciate that guitar, it would keep value in your eyes, and would be a great instrument to have in your arsenal.

The Martin is an interesting choice though. I never really paid much attention to acoustic guitars before I got a really good one, but it brings me a lot of joy.

The bird is interesting, but they are really different. In the long run, if you are to spend a good chunk of cash, I'd opt for the classic tone and feel of the Les Paul, unless the bird really, really speaks to you are after that specific sound.

[dominus]

Take a look at the Agile 3000s on Rondo's website. Same price as an Epi and have a number of upgrades. Swap in some good pickups and pots and you've got a killer guitar for $500.

[Ball&Chain]

Mainly the difference in LP's comes down to options. You just need to decide whats important. Decorative tops? Solid colors? Binding? Neck thickness? If your max is 2.5k, I would start looking at standards and go down from there.

[King IzzO)))]

Firebird Studio FTW. A decent used one is probably in your budget.

[Powdered Toast Man]

+2 on the Firebird. Everyone and their dog has an LP style guitar. But how many Firebirds do you see out there? Plus those mini-HB's sound really sweet! Ronnie Wood makes me want a FB.

[Franknfilms]

selecting a Les Paul is definitively a thread to itself. I kind of wish there was an interactive app or something to help people browse all of the les paul models. I can never keep the actual differences straight. And then of course there are all of the changes from year to year as well. Where is the find my les paul app?

[Varg]

Get a used Les Paul from Craigslist or whatever local.

[formula73]

If you're bound and determined to go new, I'd have to say the LP Traditional Pro (I'm a 60s neck kinda guy and the splitters are kinda cool) in black. It's not cheap, by any means, but it's got all the traditional appointments. The satin neck is fast and black will save you 100 or so over the trans finishes and it's a classy, classic look, not to mention the trans finishes just accentuate the fleshy color of the plastic and binding. The first one I had was black. I liked the look but it went back for a high fret and I walked back out with the tobaccoburst I have now.

Firebirds are cool but here's the thing: are you sitting or standing, most often? A regular old Gibson Firebird is one of the neck-heaviest guitars I've ever played.

[FretFire]

If you want something lasting, I'd say get a nice acoustic. You can play it anywhere without needing an amp, effects, etc. Play as many as you can get your hands on and buy the one that speaks to you (if it's in your budget, of course). Ignore the headstock.

[BrianS.]

Take a look at the Agile 3000s on Rondo's website.

Lame...

Get the Martin.

[Ashurbanipal]

If you're interested in a Firebird, know that the regular, non custom shop V has hot ceramic pups; from what I've read, many people find them shrill because of the wind and mag. But G is putting Steinberger tuners on them now, which is a plus.

The new 70s tribute ones have alnico pups more along the lines of old Firebirds and have regular Grover tuners; neck is maple and glued in, however.

[uOpt]

I don't know man.

The Firebird you have to be careful about, play one before you buy. The pickups are insanely hot.

A LP Standard bought new is very expensive and varies a lot. Then you have it hollow or at least swiss-cheesed, and a stupid Nashville bright, boring pickups and now in Gibson 2012 you get a plywood fretboard.

Why not buy some form of higher quality LP style, e.g. a Japanese Burny or Greco?

[dominus]

Take a look at the Agile 3000s on Rondo's website.

Lame...

Ever play one?

[Ball&Chain]

Interesting. Now they are offering stainless steel frets.

http://www.rondomusic.com/product5148.html

[TattooedCarrot]

I'd tried to buy an Epi Les Paul Custom Silverburst
Then I purchased an Epi Black Beauty

In Law Enforcement that's call that a clue........

I feel like, well I might as well just save up a little more cash and get the real deal.

Case solved!!!

[BrianS.]

Ever play one?

Nope. Not the least bit interested in them, either. Doesn't seem that the OP is, either, as all his choices are (wisely, IMO) American made guitars.

I think it is fair to say that the Martin will sound great and stand the test of time...both in build quality and value (if that is a concern). Every guitar player should have a nice acoustic. They can be inspiring and relaxing.

Also, though you may be able to turn a $200 agile into an acceptable pseudo-Gibson, there is no low dollar Martin substitute (although I'm sure someone here will say there is).

You really can't go wrong with the Martin.

[TheLivingDead]

I wish I had some experience with those guitars but I hope you finally get something awesome.